Applications are still open for Arts Camp and Arts Academy. Programs fill quickly—submit your app today!

A groundbreaking day for music

Thanks to our generous supporters, Interlochen will break ground on an extraordinary new music facility on May 12, 2017.

A rendering of the Music Center

Architect's rendering of the Music Center.

Architect's rendering of the Music Center.

Architect's rendering of the Music Center.

It’s official.

Interlochen is breaking ground on the first centralized home for the music division on May 12, 2017.

“Securing this facility is a personal promise I have made to the music faculty of Camp and Academy,” said Interlochen President Jeffrey Kimpton, who retires as president in June 2017. “I am thrilled that we have secured the funds we need to break ground on this long sought-after building before I retire. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, we will create a facility that is amazing, just like we have done for creative writing, visual arts and motion picture arts. After 90 years, it is time for a music building that will bring our outstanding music faculty together in an extraordinary facility that is worthy of Interlochen’s music program.”

Hundreds of alumni, parents and friends have come together to make the long-standing dream of a new building a reality—so far raising $19 million toward the $24 million projected construction cost. The tremendous momentum behind this high priority of CREATE AMAZING: The Campaign for Interlochen gave the Board of Trustees the confidence to move forward and approve the May 12 groundbreaking ceremony at its March meeting.

“This day is the culmination of years of planning and dedication and millions of dollars in generous gifts,” said Chairman of the Board John McGarry (IAA 81-84, staff 84). “We are excited to share this moment and this milestone with so many special alumni, friends and supporters on May 12.”

Campus is brimming with excitement as this project transitions from two-dimensional drawings to bricks and mortar.

“This building will benefit Interlochen in countless ways,” said longtime faculty member Bill Sears. “A facility where all faculty and students gather in one place will encourage opportunities for collaboration and foster a spirit of community between faculty and students. Furthermore, consistent rehearsal venues for all major ensembles and quality practice rooms and teaching studios will be invaluable in the recruitment of new students.”

Sears and every Academy music faculty member will, for the first time, have teaching studios, rehearsal halls and practice rooms in one contiguous location, as the new building will link the Frohlich Piano and Percussion Building and Corson Auditorium. “The new facility will of course also be a tremendous boon to Camp’s music program,” added Sears.

Special features include:

  • Multiple foundations to prevent sound carry.
  • High volume, low flow HVAC systems for silent climate control.
  • Advanced lighting and AV control systems with touch-screen panels for teachers and students to individually control how they use rehearsal spaces.

Stay tuned on how you can become involved with this historic event for Interlochen.